Teen dies after shark attack
2009-03-22 22:03
Norman Silke and Stephanie Saville
Port St Johns - A teenager has died at Port St Johns after being bitten on the leg by a shark.
Concerns have been raised that heightened shark activity in the area may be due to the influx of sewage-loaded water from a river.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said the teenager had died after being bitten by a shark while surfing off Second Beach, Port St Johns.
Sixteen-year-old development surfer Luyolo Mangele was attacked on Saturday afternoon by what is believed to be a Zambezi shark.
Luyolo, from the Mtumbane township, had decided to hit the surf with other members of the Iliza-surf academy.
Michael Gatcke, manager of the academy, said on Sunday that it was a perfect day for surfing.
Just before the incident, there were just three surfers in the deeper water, including Luyolo, he said.
Gatcke said someone began to scream and the next moment a huge red spot was seen around Luyolo's surfboard.
Luyolo made for shore but lost consciousness in the shallow water. Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.
In January 2007 Sibulele Masiza was killed by a tiger shark. His body was never found.
District municipal manager Bruce Kannemeyer told The Witness that experts would investigate the possibility that a high level of sewage from the Umzimvubu River, which flows into the bay at Port St Johns, may be responsible for the increased shark activity in the area.
He said water samples had been taken from the river for analysis. Another swimmer died after being attacked by a shark at Port St Johns in January.
Authorities have increased the number of life-savers and coastal patrollers to watch for sharks and have implemented a ban on swimming.
The OR Tambo District Municipality and Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism have agreed to appoint a team of experts to investigate the attacks and report back with recommendations within two weeks.
In the meantime, the district and local municipalities moved hastily to erect warning flags to prevent further loss of life.